Fine Gael's landlord TDs and senators oppose rent certainty

IS Fine Gael's vehement opposition to Rent Certainty partly explained by the fact that 24 of its Oireachtas members are landlords?

This was the question put to Taoiseach Enda Kenny during Leader's Questions on Wednesday by Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams.

It comes as Fine Gael continues to resist plans to cap spiraling rents which are contributing to the homelessness crisis across the State, particularly in and around Dublin City.

Outlining how 1,500 children are now residing in emergency accommodation, Gerry Adams said:

“The response of your Government has been incoherent, in-cohesive and chaotic with Ministers briefing against each other instead of dealing with housing crisis,” a reference to Fine Gael members who were described as 'anonymous cowards' by the Environment Minister.

While Environment Minister Alan Kelly of Labour has promised the introduction of Rent Certainty since February, he has seemingly been over-ruled by Fine Gael who oppose what they describe as “interference in the market”.

“Minister Alan Kelly promised rent certainty. Fine Gael is resisting this. 24 Fine Gael Oireachtas members are landlords. Is this a factor?” asked Gerry Adams.

An Taoiseach refused to answer the question and instead went off on a tangent to speak about Fianna Fáil's actions resulting in the collapse of the construction sector.